American Quotations by William J. Federer 2024

Continental Congress (July 2, 1776) the Continental Congress voted in favor of the "Lee Resolution" that declared independence for the colonies from Great Britain: <Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for...

Continental Congress (July 1, 1776) heard John Adams declare his intentions to the delegates from the Thirteen Colonies: <Before God, I believe the hour has come. My judgment approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, and all that I am, and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready here to stake upon it. And I leave off as I began, that live or die, survive or perish, I am for the Declaration. It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence...

Virginia Constitution (June 29, 1776) which contained Article 16 of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, drafted by George Mason and James Madison: <BILL OF RIGHTS, June 12, 1776, SECTION 16. That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.> 1776VC001 --...

Malden, Massachusetts, Instructions to Congress (May 27, 1776) were given in response to the May 9th request by the Massachusetts House of Representatives for each town to give instructions to their representative on the matter of independence from Great Britain: <For these reasons, as well as many others which might be produced, we are confirmed in the opinion that the present age would be deficient in their duty to God, their posterity, and themselves, if they do not establish an American republic. This is the only form of government which we wish to see established; for we can never be...

Continental Congress (March 16, 1776) as recorded in the Journals of Congress, passed without dissent a resolution presented by General William Livingston declaring May 17, 1776, as a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer: <The Congress....desirous...to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God's superintending providence, and of their duty, devoutly to rely...on his aid and direction... We do earnestly recommend Friday, the 17th day of May be observed by the colonies as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins...